The New York Clipper (June 1919)

THE NEW YORK CLIPPER June 4, 1919 N.V. A. BENEFIT RECEIPTS BREA K ALL PA ST RECORDS Six Thousand Persona Pay $75,000 to View Greatest Vaude- ville Bill Ever Got Together on One Stage — Performance Run Off Smoothly Seventy-five thousand dollars was re- alized from the third annual benefit per- formance given at the Hippodrome for the National Vaudeville Artiitts* Club last Sunday night. This is $15,000 more than the 1918 figure and nearly $30,000 above the 1917 mark. Six thousand persons made the Hip bulge and the overflow had. to be taken care of on the stage. It was the most successful show in the history of the K. V. A. Pat Casey staged the performance and made a good job of it An expert in this line, he had the girls and boys up on their toes constantly, and so arranged it that no two acts of the.same character followed each other. Casey was assisted by Edward V. Darling, while Jack Lewis was official an- nouncer. Other stage managers besides Casey were JL H. Burnside, M. Nelson and Edward Renton. One of the artists who failed to appear as scheduled was George M. Cohan. He wired E. F. Albee Sunday from Chicago that he would be absent, through no fault of his own, and regretted it deeply, because it was a matter of personal honor with him to keep his word in these matters. His wire would have been read from the stage Sunday night, but unfortunately, it was sent to the Palace Theatre and not opened by Mr. Albee until Monday morn- ing Cohan telegraphed: ''Regret that I will not be able to be with you tonight. Business of the utmost importance called me away. Please put me down for a gallery seat at five hundred dollars, and then please sell it again. "Best wishes to all "George M. Cohan." ' Cohan had arranged a new act for him- self for the benefit and was eager to present it as a part of the long bill. When Leo Carillo, star of "Lombardi, Ltd." had finished his act, he briefly called attention to the presence of "a certain American girl," and waved toward a lower box. The spotlight was turned on. the girl. "It's Elsie Janis," buzzed the audience. Carillo beckoned Miss Janis to come to the stage. But Miss Janis, who returned from France Saturday, where she entertained American soldiers for more than a year, refused the invitation. She arose and said: "I'm not made up for this. But if I didn't have on a tight skirt, M get up there and shake a hoof. I'm glad to be back, and I thank you one and all." An ovation ensued. The audience rose to its feet, paying silent tribute to the returned artist. On this occasion, Miss Janis made her first public appearance since her return from abroad. She was the guest of honor, and was present at the invitation of Mr.* Albee and Charles B. Dillingham. In recognition of her valiant army service, she has been dubbed "Captain Janis.** Receipts from the benefit will be used toward paying off the debt on the N. V. A. clubhouse, on West Forty-sixth street, and taking care of its various activities, in- cluding insurance and relief funds. The souvenir program was sold at twenty-five cents, and the proceeds, combined with the amounts received from advertisements, of which there were over 100 pages, ran up a nice total Hundreds of members of the National Vaudeville Artiste, of both sexes, volunteered as ushers and sold pro- grams at tile door. Ed. Renton had charge of the program and Joseph Sul- livan, the ticket sale. Walter Kingaley h.™IVd the publicity efficiently, and Edwards Davis, president, and Henry Chesterfield, secretary of the National Vaudeville Artists, attended to the de- tails. The curtain rose promptly at 8.15, and was lowered at 11.30. This gives an idea of the neatness and despatch with which the affair was handled. The show wound up the season of ben- efits at the Hippodrome. The foreword in the N. V. A. program declares: "The third annual benefit performance of the National Vaudeville Artists at the Hippodrome finds the most beautiful clubhouse in America completed and oc- cupied; the machinery of friendship be- tween artists and managers functioning perfectly and the entire vaudeville pro- fession in a state of prosperity and well- being never before known.. "It is truly a Victory benefit for the N. V. A., not alone because the artist has become a self-determining individual in his. work, but because this organization wag heavily represented in the war—no less than a thousand men .wearing their country's uniform, of whom four paid with their lives the. last full measure of devotion." The opening of the new clubhouse on the night of April 28, and Mr. Albee's ded- icatory address, are spoken of briefly, and the foreword closes thus: . . "Mr. Albee struck the keynote of a new era in community life—an era hi which the artist who gives his or her life to the vaudeville profession has a voice in stating the conditions of employment and a sure and automatic machinery for re- dressing wrongs and grievances. "During the year past, as a labor of patriotic love, the members of the N. V. A. took part in over 2,000 benefits, can- tonment entertainments, naval shows and military nights. Some five hundred mem- bers have gone abroad to the A. E. F. as volunteer artists in the Over There The- atre League. N. V. A. members have been heavy buyers of Liberty Bonds and gen- erous givers to all the various funds for war work. "In short, the N. V. A. has had a won- derful year in these times that try men's souls, for its members have proven them- selves soldiers of the true fighting breed, artists ready to "undergo any inconven- ience and dscomf ort to aid in maintaining tile morale of the army and navy and forward-looking business men and. women who have worked hand in hand with the managers for all the high moral and ma- terial aims of the organization. "Patriotism, fraternal feeling, new roads to freedom in their profession, a stiffen- ing of morale with the new clubhouse as a rallying point—all these things have occupied the N. V. A. since the last benefit. The coming year promises to be equally rich in organized effort for the common good." Things started off with an overture by the Hippodrome orchestra, directed by Ben Roberts, leader of the Bushwick Theatre orchestra. Then Keith's Boys Band gave a concert from the stage. How those kids can play! The immense crowd then breathed a collective sigh of satisfaction and settled down comfortably in its col- lective seat, in anticipation of the big' show. There wasn't much of a wait. Jack Lewis, who shall be called "Hurry Up" in future, "hopped" out to the footlights and imparted the news that he would merely name each act and that there would be -no long-winded speeches from official an- nouncers, as in the past. Bingl In came the "Yip Yip Yaphank" boys, and gave as pretty an exhibition of tumbling and all-round acrobatics aa one is privileged to see in a mere lifetime. Zip! The khaki-clad chaps were no sooner off than the Arnaut Brothers, funni- est of clowns, twittered up and began their famous "loving boids" act. The program was running as smoothly as the NC-4's motor and as swiftly. The Arnauts had the audience at their tender mercy and roar after roar of laughter greeted their- efforts. ■..-'- Next, Howard and Clark, Joe singing his wonder-Bongs of long "ago, "Hello, Mat- Honey," and "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," and Miss Clark, looking her prettiest and-sweetest, chiming in with a voice like the Astor dining room foun- tain. The Creole Fashion Plate fooled the bunch out front, and the overflow sitting on the stage, for they were sure, he was ■ a girl, since he wore a dress and sang soprano. Being fooled thus is delicious amusement to the ladies, and they were strangely thrilled when the boy breezed back again in he-attire and sang in a double-he baritone. Came Jimmie Hussey, in "civvies" for the first time in months, jerkily warbling queer Yiddish songs, confidentially leaning over the customers and rocking them with mirth. ,- -,-... :.-■-.■-■, ■■■'■-■- -.'. Ruth Roye, charged with personality, twiddling a bit of a shimmey, vocalizing, ending with her celebrated success, "Wait- ing for the Robert E. Lee," shuffling off- stage to the accompaniment of hilarious handclappings. The Rooneys, Pat, Sr. and Jr., and Mar- ian Bent. Wee Daddie Fat, lovingly lingering upon his favorite melody, "She Is the Daughter of Rosie CGrady"; Miss Bent coming in neatly on the duet and dance part, and finally the kiddie, in sol- dier togs and two gold stripes on his left sleeve, chirping "When the Fighting Irish Come Home." The littlest Rooney was one of the hits of the evening. Harry Watson. Harry yanked a few more laughs out of the public solar plexus with his ridiculous burlesque on a prize- fighter. With the public eye on the Wil- lard-Dempsey go, July Fourth, Watson's stunt went big. The celebrated finger, and its owner, Irene Franklin, with Burton Green piano- ing, hove into view. Miss Franklin audibly produced a war and peace ballad and a regular chorus girl screamer, calling at- tention to the calamity that will hit . Broaaway when the town goes dry, with soda water drunkards reeling out of Huyler's side entrance and candy stews lying all over the sidewalk. Miss Franklin was enthusiastically received. So was everybody. Great, little show. Bring on another headliner, Jack! Let's go! "Hello, Frisco." Cigar and all, Loretta McDermott, jazz band, ,here was Frisco, cakewalking around, the one and only Frisco. The jazers jazzed, Miss McDer- mott piped a tiny song, then Frisco frisked furiously. The crowd liked Frisco and made no secret of it. Henry Lewis. Hen. uncorked a couple of comic ditties and chattered droUy. The audience wanted more of. him, but" there were many artists straining at the leash back-stage; therefore, he retired gracefully. In cantered Eddie Cantor, excusing him- self for the brief visit, saying he couldn't stay long, because the Follies (not Green- wich - Village) had been rehearsing late, ard he wanted to go home to the Bronx and get back next day. Eddie's was one of the briefest visits; he was only on three minutes, sang once, pulled agagand goodbyed, all in that period. He could have stayed fifteen minutes, safely, Blanche Ring was equally hurried. The world's most celebrated advertiser of ringer rings and toe bells voiced one song and thereby disappointed program car- riers. If Miss Ring had just stood around for a few. minutes, she needn't have done another thing. The audience would have been satisfied. More Follies' stuff. Savoy and Brennan made 'em screech. Up-to-the-minute ob- servations on New York life and lam- mings at the chorus ladies, went across like a~ Yankee airplane. Mile. Nita-Jo rendered a French ballad in a manner artistic, and followed with "I'm Sorry I Hade You Cry," in English, which was applauded just as heartily by residents of Harlem as of the Bronx. Nita Jo's reception was equal to that given any of those who had gone before and. the ap- plause resulting from her final number, a war song, in French, was thunderous. ■ Lew Holtz, the only entertainer heroic enough to appear in burnt cork, toted his battered guitar. He demonstrated conclu- sively that the ancient line about "A little nonsense now and then," is going stronger than ever. Lew's foolishmenta put three more cracks In the audience's laugh-shat- tered ribs. With the appearance of Sophie Tucker, the evening began to take on the appear- ance of Wash Day. Sophie also aired a shimmey song and wobbled a bit. She has lost none of her ability as a coon shooter. The only trouble was that she left too soon. Clark and Bergman likewise rigidly observed the rule against an appearance of more than five minutes; in fact, there were only a few who exceeded that limit, an action done unconsciously. Clark-and - Bergman sang harmoniously; they might have encored, but wouldn't. The announcer said that Irving Berlin and Harry Carroll would show how they could beat up each other's songs. That sounded good. So Irvie peeked at the piano and Carroll warbled, Tm Always Chasing Rainbows." It looked like Berlin was trying to grab off a. song idea at the same time, for they didn't get along very well together... Several times,.. Harry grinned apologetically and stared mean- ingly at Berlin. After that, Berlin sang "Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning," while Carroll accompanied him. This number went better. The couple took the encores diplomatically, politely pointing their straw Truly Warners at each other. It took a lot of thought to decide which should exit first. The difficulty was solved by Alphonse and Gaston marching out shoulder to shoulder. Belle Baker pleased, as usual, with Jew- ish songs and songs not so Jewish. Gertrude Hoffman. Those who wondered what was the advantage to be gained by sitting on the stage soon found out. Gertie won't be bothered paying a luxury tax on the clothes she wore. The color was red, too! Miss Hoffman's is one of those standard acts that should not be limited as to running time. Only she should not run so much. The stage sit- ters say this is the only flaw they could pick in her act. She might have stood still just a moment. Her dancing is as graceful as of yore. From the cuticle of Miss Hoffman to the cute evening gown of Julia Arthur was quite a transition. Miss Arthur re- cited John Boyle O'Reilly's haunting poem, "In Bohemia," and did it well. Emma Carus. We hereby place a little bet on Tgmma as the champion shimmier of the benefit. For the sake of the gaping assemblage, Miss Carus displayed the terpsichorean equivalent of the much worn —what d'ye mean, worn?—lingerie. She has perfect control. A song or two proved fetching. Julius Tannen. As witty as they make them. It was a shame he had to go. No sooner was he warmed up than he had to cool off. Cruel world! •' The Cansinos, thistledowny dancers, man and. woman, were never more grace- ful and were among the hardest workers. A huge slice of the "Toot Sweet" com- , pany, headed by Elizabeth Brice, went through their routine. Miss Brice and a quartet were excellent. A travesty on d opera was accorded howlfnl greet- Leo Carillo, who came from Philadelphia to do his bit, gave an Italian's description of a baseball game. It was a treat for baseball fans. Cecil Lean and Cleo Mayfleld presented a little patter and song sketch, and drew their quota of appreciation from the pleas- ure-surfeited throng. Van and Schenck gave a Jew, a Wop and an Irish song. These boys hit the bull's-eye always, and did not fail on this occasion. As there was no other animal act in eight, Frank Tinney was selected to close the bill "Mr. Murdock told me he had a job for me. I knew it was a benefit," said Frank. Tinney told of his military experience and alluded to second lieutenants as "the Fords of the army." His reception was equal to any individual hit of the show. His gag, in which he said he had seen Theda Ban. fight for her honor thirty- eight times, and always come out victor- ious, but he would keep on going to tile movies, as lie had hopes, got a. bigger laugh than anything on the program.